Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/869597
As a family doctor specializing in obstetrics, a midwife for 25 years, and the mama of four grown kids (meaning I've been through the pregnancy worry-thing, too), I know firsthand what women go through during the precious nine months of pregnancy. And if there's one universal emotion I've seen, it's worry. Worry is a normal response to the uncertainties of pregnancy, as well as to caring deeply about our babies. And there are a lot of legit things to be concerned about, like the health effects of the chemicals in our cosmetics and the antibiotics in our foods. The truth is, though, that most of our worries just never come true, and that most babies are born healthy – even perfect. And when there is a problem, it's just not your fault, and no amount of worrying would have done anything but have made you miserable. While we should definitely pay attention to the risks we can avoid – and make the most educated choices we can – worry itself doesn't help. In fact, it tends to make us lose sleep and feel overwhelmed, and can even affect stress hormones in ways that impact pregnancy and labor. The 12 Issues You Can Stop Worrying About Right Now: 1. Harming your baby. I find that the most common fear is that we're going to do something that harms our baby. The truth is that most congenital problems are a result of genetics or an environmental exposure that we didn't even know about or had no control over. If you're reading this, my guess is you're already a health-conscious adult and aren't regularly engaged in activities that can harm baby, like drinking excessively or using cocaine. Most babies are born healthy and perfect. And when there is a problem, it's just not your fault. Period. Pregnant? 12 Things You Can Stop Worrying About Right Now Page 14| Abby's Magazine - www.AbbysHealthAndNutri-